A STUDY TO UNDERSTAND THE DEVELOPMENT OF COCAINE HYDROLASE FOR THERAPEUTICAL TREATMENT OF COCAINE ABUSE TREATMENT

Abstract

There are currently few pharmaceutical options for the treatment of cocaine addiction, which is a major problem in public health. The goal of this research was to create an engineered enzyme called cocaine hydrolase (CocH) that could quickly break down cocaine into inactive metabolites, lessening the drug's impact on the body and mind. In order to maximize its catalytic effectiveness, stability, and selectivity while minimizing off-target effects, the structural optimization of CocH is being investigated in this study. Research in this area focuses on enzyme engineering by means of protein design, characterizing CocH variations in vitro and in vivo, and conducting preclinical evaluations of their therapeutic potential. The results show that improved CocH reduces drug-induced behavioral reactions in animal models and efficiently speeds cocaine metabolism. In order to guarantee that CocH is viable for clinical use, the research also explores possible immunogenicity, safety, and delivery methods. The potential of enzyme-based treatments as an innovative method of treating cocaine addiction is shown by this study, which opens up new avenues for their usage in addiction medicine. Addiction to cocaine is a rising public health concern that has far-reaching effects on people's mental health, relationships, and finances. There has been a lot of study on cocaine dependency, but pharmaceutical treatments have not been effective enough. The primary objective of this research is to create and enhance cocaine hydrolase (CocH), an engineered enzyme that can convert cocaine into benzoic acid and ecgonine methyl ester, two byproducts that do not have any pharmacological effects, much faster than the body's normal metabolism.